Uses of Mercury

Mercury has many uses. It is used in barometers and manometers. It is also used extensively in thermometers.

Mercury is important as a liquid contact material for electric switches. It is used in mercury-vapour lamps that are used for street lighting.

Mercury is used as an electrode in the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide. It is also used in certain electronic batteries. Mercury forms a special type of alloy with some metals called an amalgum. A special amamgum consisting of mostly mercury, silver and tin is used in dentistry for filling teeth.

Mercury compounds have many uses. They are used as insecticides , in rat poison, and as a disinfectant. Mercuric oxide is used in skin ointments, though of course people handle it with a great deal of care now, because of the danger of mercury poisoning.
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